Dinnerware decorating apparatus



March 13, 1951 A. J. WAHL DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS 1i Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 25, 1946 INVENTOR fllbept 1 "ilk! March 13 1951 I A. J. WAHL 2,545,396

DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 23, 1946 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 N E v INVENTOR gwe $116721.

March 13, 1951 w H 2,545,396

DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 23, 1946 ll Sheets-Sheet 3 kabbez? 57 [7 INVENTOR 1451791 6 J: Wzfil.

March 13, 1951 A. J. WAHL DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS ll Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 23, 1946 x mm G a S wk N mum Q5 NE 3 Tin:

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g NWQZ K Ra O MI W E V W6 March 13, 1951 J, w 2,545,396

DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS INVENTOR lllbent J. MZz/zl.

A. J. WAHL DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS March 13, 1951 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. 25, 1946 v INVENTQR fllbe t J ar/2!.

BY L ATTORN Y March 13,' 1951 A. J. WAHL 2,545,396

DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS Fil ed Oct. 25, 1946 11 Sheets-Sheet 7 56 I47 20 55 I46 I44 45' I01 96 INVENTOR Albert]. Wahl BY ATTORNf A. .J. WAHL DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS March 13, 1951 ll Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Oct, 25, 1946 INVENTOR Albert]. Hfahl.

.BY W ATToRN EZ March 13, 1951 A. J. WAHL DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS l1 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Oct. 25, 1946 iNVENTOR Albsrt J. Hfah].

BY 2; 2 ATTORN E A. J. WAHL DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS March 13, 1951 11 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Oct. 23, 1946 INVENTOR Albert]. Ufahl. BY

March 13, 1951 A. J. WAHL DINNERWARE DECORATING APPARATUS ll Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed Oct. 23, 1946 INVEN TOR Albsri ll/ahl.

l atentecl Mar. 13, 1951 UNITED STATES Application October 23, 1946, Serial No. 705,143

This invention relates to new and improved apparatus for use in making decorated articles, such as, for instance, decorated potteryware. For purposes of explanation, this invention will be described as the same would be used in the. manufacture of under-glaze, lined, banded or striped, pottery dinnerware. Since the words lines, bands, and stripes are substantially synonymous, we will sometimes refer to them hereinafter as decoration.

Heretofore, in the commercial production of pottery dinnerware, such forms of decoration as lines, bands and stripes have been applied to the ware both by hand and machine. In manual practice, the work was done in a slow and costly manner by skilled craftsmen called hand liners who painted the decoration on the display surface ofthe ware. Previous attempts to decorate the ware by machine have resulted in displacing the skilled craftsman, but the low production capacity of the machinery and the high labor requirement have hardly justified substitution of mechanical methods for manual methods. 7

One of the objects of this invention is to provide automatic machinery by means of which volume production of decorated articles, for instance pottery dinnerware, in commercially practical, low cost, labor saving fashion may be accomplished. Another object is to provide for production diversification both with respect to the ware that is operated upon and the decoration that is applied to the ware. Another object is to reduce the amount of manual intervention required in connection with the decorating phase of the pottery dinnerware manufacturing process. Another object is to speed up and materially simplify the decorating phase of the pottery dinnerware manufacturing process and, where the human element is involved, to make the need for any special skill or training I unnecessary.

Another object of this invention is to provide automatic machinery of the class described which automatically delivers ware to the decorating position, decorates the ware, places the same in orderly fashion in a dryer, dries the decoration and delivers the ware thereafter to an unloading station.

In accordance with this invention, the apparatus comprises, a decorating machine having a plurality of decorating stations where lining or other decorating operations are performed on the ware. 'Each decorating station has a rotatable ware chuck for supporting the ware during deco-:-

23 Claims. (Cl. Ell-12) rating and automatic apparatus for applying the Automatic apparatus is also pro-. vided for collecting the output of the several decoration.

stations and arranging the ware in groups that are transferred to a conveying means for carrying them through a drying zone. Said last named automatic apparatus includes a conveyor common to all the decorating stations for receiving ware therefrom, and, by virtue of the spacing of the stations and the movement of the conveyor, the ware received thereon is intermingled in such fashion that it may be subsequently assembled in predetermined lines through a drying'zone. The operation of the automatic apparatus is controlled by the decorating machine.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus with some of the parts in section and others broken away or removed in order to more clearly show the external appearance of the machine and some'of the main assemblies.

Figure 2 is a front elevation of the decorating machine which forms part of the apparatus.

Figure 3 is a right end elevation of the decorating machine.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the decorating machine.

Figure 5 is a horizontal section taken on line the dealer in closed position after a piece of ware has been released to the transfer device.

Figure 11 is a detail partly in section illustrating how the ware is turned as it is removed from the dealer by the transfer.

Figure 12 is a detail in plan taken in the direction of arrows l2-l2, Figure 8.

Figure 13 is a Vertical section through one of the decorating chuck assemblies. Figure 14 is a detail showing some of the ware centering apparatus.

Figure 15 is a detail in plan View of the clutch I control associated with the drive mechanism for the decorating chucks.

extending 3 Figure 16 is an elevation of the apparatus shown in Figure with some of the parts broken away.

Figure 17 is a detail in section showing the clutch collar for the clutch of Figure 15.

Figure 18 is a detail of a timer.

Figure 19 is a detail of a holder assembly employed with non-traversing type bandingappa ratus.

Figure 20 is a side elevation of the holder assembly of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a side elevation ofa holder-assembly employed with traversing type banding apparatus.

Figure 22 is a plan View of" the assembly of; Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a detail of the banding whel. assembly operating mechanism.

Figure 24 is a section taken on line 2424-of- Figure 21.

Figure 2 5 is. a sectional-1elevationthrough a paint receptacle.

Figure 26; is an end elevation of the paint receptacle with the end removed soas; to disclose the interior.

Figure 2.7 is a detail view of a lining; implement.

Figures 28 to 33 inclusive,,are plan views which show in sequence, starting with Figure 28, the steps involved in automatically arranging theoutput from the decorating stations in orderly rows in the dryer.

With reference to Figure 1, theapparatus com.- prises, generally, a ware decorating machine having plural decorating stations I, 2, 3 and 4. AlltOe matic apparatus operated by the machine for transferring ware from operator replenished stacks or bungs of ware includes a. ware dealer 6, 1;, 8; and .lrespectively above-and in front'of. each station and associatedware transfer device III, I l I2 and I3 respectively for carrying ware from the bungs or stacks. l4; I5; 16: and I1: respectively to rotatable ware receiving chucks; at stations I, 2, 3'and 4- respectively.

Apparatus for decorating the ware includesautomatically operable ware decorating means generally designated by the numeral: 25, at. station dethere being-one or moreofsaidi means associated with each of said stations i, 2 and 3': but notbeing shown in Figure 1 in order not to obscure other details. applying meanshas a decoratingimplement, to be automatically moved'into and out of engage-i ment with the surface of ware to applythereto aline, band or stripe the-operation thereof being in timed relation to the operation Qfthe-Waretrans fer and other apparatus as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

Although I haveshown onlyoneimplemenbfor" decorating means at station-4", it will be understood that more than oneimplement maybe employed at a single station for thepurpose of forming plural lines, bands or stripes on the ware.

The ware that isto be decorated is arranged in vertical stacks or bungs, Figures 1 and 2, several pieces high, in the several dealers. The production may be diversified as-between decorating stations and the ware undergoing decoration'at one station may be of different-size; shape or'contour than ware undergoing decoration at another station. The dealers. 6,1, 8 and- 9 arefilled" with ware by hand, and, since thisrepresents the op erators principal duty, it can readily beunder-- stood-1 why. unskilled labor may be employed for the work.

Ware that has been decorated-is releasedfrom- Each of these decoration the several chucks at the decorating stations and is discharged by gravity down the several chutes 26, 21, 28 and 29, respectively. One of these chutes is associated with each decorating station. Automatic apparatus for collecting and arranging the decorated ware includes a carrier in the form of an endless conveyor belt 30 common to all: decorating stations and located adjacent the discharge end of the several chutes and upon whose upper run the ware is received in predetermined spaced relation as will be hereinafter explained inmore detail. This belt moves the ware a predetermined distance to a transfer station in front, of 'a synchronized carrier in the form of an endless conveyor 3| for carrying the ware through the dryer 32 to another endless belt conveyor 33 at the rear of the, dryer for carrying ware away. During this movement of the ware in single file from the decorating station to the dryer transfer station, the ware from successive cycles of the decorating machine is intermingled or infiltrated whereby orderly rows or lines of predetermined identity may be, subsequently placed upon the dryer conveyor. The freshly decorated ware is removed. from conveyor 30- and placed on conveyor 3] in. orderly rows automatically by pushtype transfer apparatus generally indicated by thereference character 34:; The operation of the automatic apparatus is controlled by the decorat- 1 ing machine as will be hereinafter-explained.

The decorating machine of this apparatus, Figures 2; to 5 inclusive, comprises a frame 35: having suitable; horizontal, vertical and trans-- verse frame components uponwhich to mount.

the several elements which comprise,v this mas chine. In front; of and above each decorating station is-a ware dealer,- and, since, all of them are,- similar in structure, I will describe only one. of them in detail.

Itv is desired to supporta. hung of: ware by means that may be automatically operated to re.- lease one piece of ware at a time from the bottom; of abung to a transfer device.

Said dealer comprises a member 36, Figures 6,

' 7 and 8*, formed with a vertically extending, in-

clined, ware support section 36; and a lower..vertically disposed, gripping, jaw section 31'. Said member is preferably formed like a shallow.

trough with the concave side. presented to the.

- ware. This surface islined with resilient material such as rubber indicated by the reference: character 38.

Member36 is supported by a: plate 39 to which. it is, rigidly secured preferably bywelding the 1 lower end of: gripping: jaw section 31' thereto on the inside of asemi-circular recess Mlformedin the plate. Plate 39 is bolted. to andsupported; by a pair of "spaced, paralleli angles M and 42:

that are braced: acrossthe rear ends by a cross.v

angle 53 thereby forming a rectangular frame that issupportedon the machine frame for vertical adjustment in the following manner: Angle 43 rests upon a pairofvertically adjustable studs 44: and 45, Figures 2, 3, 4, '7 and 8, threaded into a cross angle 46 of the machine frame and common to all the dealers. Angle 43 is clampedagainst these studs by a pair of spaced studs 41 and llfl thereabove thatare threaded downwardly through the top, rear, cross angle I9 of the' machine frame 35'. Studs 41 and 48 are provided with sleeves 50" which bear against angle 43 and are secured by-nuts 49-to hold therear end of front, top, cross angle 20, of the machine frame, 5

common to all the dealers, Figures 4, 6, 7 and 8. Thus the dealer frame may be adjusted upwardly or downwardly to the desired elevation and leveled.

In order to grip the lowermost piece of a bung of ware as aforesaid, a curved lever 54, Figures 6, 7 and 8, is pivoted on a pin 55 carried by plate 39 and located near the open end of the recess. At the center of the lever and on the inside curve is secured another guide and jaw member 56 which is similar to member 36 except that it is smaller in width and height. The upper section of this member is inclined relative to jaw section 56 which is welded or otherwise secured to lever 54 in a position diametrically opposite the jaw section of member 36 when the jaws are closed. Member 56 is also formed likea shallow trough and has substantially the same radius of curvature, at least in the jaw zone, as the other member. This radius of curvature preferably conforms to the curvature of the ware. In order to compensate for fractional differences in diameter of the ware, and to avoid damage thereto, the jaw portion 56', Figure 7, is also lined with resilient material 51 which may extend over the entire trough-like surface of the member if desired.

At the free end of lever 54 is a roller 58 rotatably mounted upon a horizontal stud screwed into theend of the lever. Said roller is adapted to rest upon and roll on plate 39 and to support the free end of the lever.

Means for automatically moving lever 54 to cause the jaws to grip the ware, as depicted in Figure 10, and to release the ware, as illustrated in Figure 9, comprises a vertical pin 59 rigidly secured in a hole near the outer end of lever 54. To this pin is pivotally attached a connector 60 into which a pull rod 6! is adjustably screwed and held in position by a nut 62. The clearance between the jaws may be conveniently adjusted by removing connector 69 from pin 59 and screwing it in one direction or the other on pull rod 6|. 'j Pull rod [ii is pivotally attached at the other end to a vertical lever 2| mounted on a frame supported, cross shaft 63, Figures 3, 4 and '7, commonto all of the dealers. Said levers 62 is freely rotatable on shaft 63 and gripping pressure is applied on the ware by plural coil springs 64 attached to the upper end of lever 25 and anchored at the opposite end to bolts 55 secured in a bracket 66 rigidly fixed to machine frame 35. f To relax the pressure of the gripping jaws upon the ware, lever. 2| is rotated in the opposite direction against the tension of the coil springs by a lever 61 clamped to shaft 63 and rotatabletherewith. Each lever 61 has a horizontal projection 58 adapted to engage lever 2| and turn it in the same direction as shaft K53 when shaft 63 is turned in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 3. Shaft 53 is common to all of the dealers. This actionopens all of the jaws of the several dealers and permits each bung of ware to drop down, Figure 9, then upon reverse rotation of shaft 63, Figures 6 and 7, springs 54 associated with each dealer, close the gripping jaws with which they areassociated, and, to make certain that adequate retaining pressure is applied to the ware, each lever 61 is adjusted so as to turn.

clockwise, Figure 3, sufficiently to disengage associated lever 2 I.

Shaft 63 is rotated by a bifurcated lever 10 which is clamped thereto. Said lever is pivotally c'onnectedto a push rod II, Figures 2, 3 and 5,

connected to a bifurcated lever 12 having a bearing sleeved on shaft 13 supported by bearings 15, Figure 2, mounted on the machine frame and by support '16. Lever 72 is raised by means .of cam ll, fixed on the cam shaft 18 of the decorating machine which engages a cam roller 19 rotatably supported between the bifurcated part of the manually operable lever 8'5, said transmission 84 being connected by a V-belt 86 to a pulley B1 on the drive shaft 83 of a reduction gear transmission enclosed in housing 89 and to which shaft 18 is connected. Thus the speed of rotation of cam shaft '38 may be varied manually by means of lever which means that the rate of discharge of ware from all of the dealers may be increased or decreased in accordance with the requirements of production.

Ware is carried from each of the dealers B, l, 8 and 9 to its associated decorating station by the transfer devices ill, ll, 52 and i3 previously mentioned. Since these devices are similar in construction and operation, only one of them Will be described in detail.

With reference to Figures 6, 7, and 8, 90 is a vacuum chuck formed with a rubber sealing ring 9i demountably secured to a circular plate 92 having a central aperture 93 therein communicating with a vacuum passage 9A in a pedestal 9-5 which is welded to a hollow, tubular sleeve 95 forming part of a transfer arm. Said sleeve is rotatably telescoped upon a hollow tubular pipe 97 and sealed against leakage thereagainst by bushings 98 and 99, bushing 98 being held against axial displacement by a circular plate I00 bolted over the open end of pipe 91 and bushing 9% being seated against a shoulder formed on the pipe. A cap Hill screwed onto the end of sleeve 96 also acts as a vacuum seal. Vacuum passage 94 communicates with the hollow interior of pipe 97 through a hole m2 bored through the shaft. Communication is also established through the clearance space I03 between the sleeve and pipe and another hole I04 in pipe 91 adjacent hole H12. I05 is a pinion gear fixed on sleeve 96.

Each pipe 9? is welded to an associated hollow sleeve Hi6, see Figures 2 and 6, that is telescoped upon a stationary pipe lfil secured in end clamps Hi8 and 39 mounted upon machine frame members disposed at opposite ends of the frame and a center clamp H0 also mounted upon a frame upright. Said sleeve is larger in diameter than the pipe so as to allow ample clearance for the insertion of sleeve bearings l l l and I I2, Figure 6, in opposite ends thereof, which seal the ends of the sleeve and upon which the sleeve turns about the axis of pipe ml. Axial displacement in one direction is prevented by a set collar H3 and in the other by a gear H4, which meshes with pinion H15, and is fixed on the shaft by set screws H5. Pipe I07 has a hole H6 therein, Figure 8, by means of .which communication is established between pipes 9-1 and Ni. Since there are four of these transfer devices shown, pipe H1! is therefore provided with four vacuum ports,

and. im order to. vacuumize': the interior. of the pipe, a pipe l IfI, Figures 2 and 3, is threaded intdthes end.of.pipev I51. and connected. to. the inlet of aivalve; IIB: having an outlet. connected by: pipe. 9:, Figure: 5, to; a..tank-. I26, Figure 1, in whicha Vacuum is created by pump. I2 I. Valve: 8' has a. valve stem 522,. Figure. 2, connected to. a .pivotedilever I23 .whichis raised. and lowered by. the actionof a cam [24th. cam shaftv 1.8-. to thereby; open and: close saidvalve in timed'relas tion with the otheroperations of the machine, see Figure 3;

1 Thus, to, deliver a pieceof were from a hung to the decoratingchuck I25, associated therewith, the vacuum chuck 9,9. is. turned about the: axis. of pipe $53; for. approximately 90, see Figure 8, cyapparatus; to. be. presently described. Incident. to. this; movement, the chuck 95 is also caused to rotate, Figure 11, about the axis of pipe;,96; forv approximately 120 as; a result of i the pinion I05, Figures 6, '7 and, 8, being, turned by thestationary gear 554. Thus, as illustrated in figure 8-, ware. taken from the dealer in horizontal, inverted position is carried to a lower level and in transit revolved so as to present theback or foot ring zone of the ware to the decorating chuck I25 in a vertical position.

The apparatus for moving a transfer chuck 90 from its associated dealer to an associated decorating chuck comprises a disc 12?, Figures 7 and, ,8, over which a sprocket chain 528 is trained. The sprocket chain is securely fastened to the disc by a clamp I25, Figure 12 attached to the disc. The sprocket chain is connected at one end to, a, coil spring E, Figures 3, 6, and l, anchored to a stud Isl, connected to the machine frame. The other end of the sprocket chain is; attached to a lever I32 that is fixed on shaft ISS this shaft being common to all of the transfer devi es and it willbe understood that for actuating each transfer device, a l ver I32 isclamped to rotatable shaft H33 at the proper po i n...

Shaft ISS-is mounted for rotation in bearings l34, Figure 4, supported by the machine frame. Said'shaft is rotatedby a crank Iilfifixed on the shaft which is pivotally connected to a push rod I36 that in-turn is pivotally connected to a lever I37 pivoted on the machine frame. Lever Itl, Figures 2 and 3, is provided with a cam roller I38 that engages the periphery of cam E39 secured to cam shaft 1-8. The working surface of this cam is formed for moving thechuck carryingarm of the transfer device in the manner aforesaid.

lhe operation of any one of the transfer devices may be arrested without interrupting the operation of the other transfer chucks by a lockout device shown in Figures 7 and 8. This lockout device comprises a bar MU pivotally attached to a bifurcated lug Id-I secured to the inside of the verticalweb of the top, front, cross anglev 25 of the machine frame, see Figure Stop bar E40" has an oif-center pivot M2 so, as to allow the longend of the. bar to drop. down by gravity into a position Where it may engage lug I43, see dotted line position in Figure 8, welded on the side of disc I21 when vertically movable pin I44 is raised by hand. Said pin is slidable in oversized hole I46 in angle 25 and may be 8 tion to therebyrdisen'gagef the; stop: bar i110, front thilu'g IE3, thepinis unl'atched and depressed until. the. upper. groove. Id-II'. locks in. the hole! as: aforesaid;

All of the decorating chucks I26 are similar. in construction and operation. They are rotated by a motor drive common to all of them}. however, the speed. of rotation of each of; the chucks maybe individually controlled and varied.

In commercial. practice, some of the. ware will be crookedor over" or. under size. To preyent crooked or undersize: ware from prematurely fallingiromthedealer, I propose to grip some of the: bung. components in a resilient; external embrace asiwouldbe provided by a pad of rubber or; the: like% of" suflicient: thickness. to allow for differences: inthe; diameter. of. the ware; Thei Ware-transfer'device, .which in this tructurein cludes a transfer armwith a ware supportthereon, is. adapted .to position the ware support'below" and. incloseproximity to-the lowermost pieceof' ware, in the: bung; When the gripping pressure; on the, bung components is relaxed, the entire bung drops down upon the ware. support and when the gripping pressure is again applied,.it.

may also be. effective on the lowermost piece in the bung but at-a lower value than on those pieces of ware thereabove. This may be accomplished: by; forming the troughs 56 and 35 with gripping jaw sections. 2-3- and 24 respectively, as shown; in-v Figure 7, that are divergent or out. wardly: tapered; Although the lowermost-piece of ware, under this circumstance: would not be fully. released from. the dealer, should thetransfer fail to grip-thepiece; say for. instance, because of some crooked or warped condition'of the ware; or for someother-reason, theipiece will notfall from. the dealer, but will remain in placeuntil removed by hand; Of course, the ware may,-if: desired, be released entirely from the gripping jaws bylocating th-elower' end ofthe jaws above. the position the, piece. would normally occupy W-henresting upon the ware support. Thus, the dealer-maybe formed for either wholly releasing the wareor retaining the piece with a light-pressure requiring, that the transfer device. pull. it fromthe dealer.

Each decorating chuck comprises a" circular disc M9, Figures-3and 13, having a central aperture. I upon which a rubber face plate l5l',' also having a center hole. I52, is superimposed, and. cemented, or otherwise secured in place. This, resilient face plate forms the ware. engaging surface of the chuck. Said chuck is fixed on one end of. a hollow," rotatable shaft I53 journaled in bearings and. carried inside of an elongated housing. I54. Said housingis supported upon. a" pair of spaced, parallel angles I55and I55, Fig,- ures Zand 3,.Whi'ch are. supported by the machine. frame and extend from end to end thereof; These. angles provide a. support for all' of the. housings I54 whichsuppo'rltthe. shafts that carry the dece crating chucks.

Each decorating chuck. shaft, Figure 13, rotated. by amotor drive, to be presently described,. connectedto a pulley I51 fixed on the.

held in raised position by the combined action of a spring I45 which pulls the pin off} center rear end of each chuck shaft. In order to vacuumize the several'decoratin chucks, a shaft. seal I58 supportedby bracket I59, Figure 3, attached .to the. machinev frame, is mounted in sealingrelation with the rear end of each hollow chuck shaft I53; A stationary pipe I60 is con-- nected to each seal and to a main header IGI common to all. of the decorating chucks. Said header is connected by a pipe I62, Figure 3', to

9' a valve I63 having a pipe I64 leading tothe tank I20, Figure 1, associated with the vacuum pump. Said vacuum valve is provided with a control rod I65, Figures 2 and 3, attached to a pivoted lever I 66, Figure 3, actuated by a cam I61 fixed on main cam shaft 18 and springs I68. Said valveis supported from the machine frame by means of a bracket I69.

' With reference to the drive for rotating the several chuck shafts, each pulley I51, Figure 4, is driven by a V-belt I10, Figures 2, 5 and 13 connected to a conventional manually adjustable, variable speed transmission I1I, Figure 5. Each variable speed transmission has a manual control I12 for changing the speed of the drive as between the driven belt I and the driving belt I16. The driving belt I16 associated with each of the variable speed transmissions is connected to a plural-groove pulley I 11, commonto all of said driving belts. Pulley I11 is driven by an electric motor I18 whose drive pulley I19 is connected by a V-belt I80 to a-pulley I8I, Figure 5, which forms the driving disc side of a clutch whose driven disc I13 (not shown) is fixed upon ag-"shaft I83 connected to a reduction gearing inside of housing I84, Figure 5. Pulley I" is fixed upon the power output shaft I85 of the reduction gearing. f V

The" several decorating chucks are intermittently rotated. Theyare stopped at the time ware is delivered thereto and released therefrom. All of the chucks are controlled, insofar as intermittent'stopping and'starting is concerned by a friction clutch formed by driving disc I8I and driven disc I13 that is common to all of the chucks.-- This intermittent operation is in timed relation with the movement of the ware transfer'chuck and'is controlled by a clutch shifting means comprising a lever I88,Figure 16, secured t'oT'a' vertical shaft I89 rotatable in a stationary bushing I99 supported by the machine frame. A lever I9I, Figures and 17, is secured to the upper end of shaft I89 and is provided with a hardened, wear resistant surface I14 for engaging a ball I15 set in a'hole in the end face of the hub I92 of driving disc I 8|. For disengaging the'clutch, a cam I86, Figures 15 and 16, fixed on'shaft 18 is provided. Said cam engages a roller I81 mounted at the end of lever I88. The working surface of the cam is developed in accordance with the intermittent clutch action desired. The clutch is engaged by a coil spring I93 connected to lever I 88 and to a stationary part of the machine frame.

In order to center the ware relative to the axis of rotation of each of chucks I26, Figure 2, when said ware has been delivered thereto and gripped thereby, a centering apparatus, Figure 14, is provided for each chuck which comprises, a gear I94 rotatably mounted, as shown in Figure 13, upon the forward end of housing I52. Clamped tothe elongated hub' I95 of the gear, is a lever I96 by means of which the gear is rotated by apparatus to be presently described.

In rear of the gear, a spider I91 is welded to the housing and at ends of the three spider arms are holes for receiving stub shafts I98 upon each or which a gear i99;-is'- rotatably mounted that meshes with the large gear I94. Clamped'on the extended hub of each gear is a clamp ring 200 to which is welded in a radial position an arm 20I having a threaded hole at the end thereof into which is screwed a pin 202 upon which a roller 203" is mounted. The surfaceof each roller is covered' withresilient-material 204 such.- as rub..-

her so as to'avoid damage to the'r'im' of theware during the centering action. In operation, these rollers 203 are all moved inwardly toward and into engagement with the ware brim at the samev time upon rotation of gear I94 in a clockwise di-.; rection. This causes the ware to be centered relative to the axis of chuck I26. The rollers areimmediately retracted with little or no dwell,by reversing the rotation of gear I94.

Each lever I96 is connected to the piston'rodl 205 of an associated air cylinder 205' having a: lower'air inlet connected by pipe 206 to a'main: header 201, Figure 2, having a pipe 201 leading to the pressure outlet of a four-Way valve 208, Figure 5. The upper inlet of the air cylinderxisconnected by a pipe 209, Figure 2, to main header- 210, connectedby pipe 2I0' to another pressure: outlet of four-way valve 208, Figure 5. The inlet side of valve 208 is connected by pipe 2II to the. outlet of a pressure equalizing tank 2I2, Figure 1, connected by pipe 2I3 to a motor'driven pump 2I4. 2I5 isan exhaust pipe to be' alternately connected to pipes 201' and 2I0' to vent them to. atmosphere upon alternate strokes of the several air cylinders 205'. actuating rod 2I6, Figure 18, having a roller. 2'I1 attached to the end thereof. This roller is -positioned so as to be engaged by a pin 2 I 8 projecting. from a disc mounted on main cam shaft 18"an'd thereby moved in one direction and to be engaged by another pin 2| 9, spaced radially outwardly: from the'first pin on said disc and moved in a reverse direction. These pins are insertable in any one of a circle of holes in the disc so' that adjustment may be made 'in the time of operationof the valve by relocating one pin or the otherior. both of them.

Thus, all of the centering devices are. actuated; simultaneously, however, the radial setting :of. each centering roller maybe varied bylooseningL the clamps 200, Figure 13, and angularly adjust-' ing the same on the hubs of gears I99. Since the production may be diversified, and this compre-' hends ware of both large, small and intermediate diameter, the radial setting of a circle of centering rollers, 'as between decorating stations, couldbe different. f

If it is desired to operate thecentering rollers by hand, for adjustment purposes, the pin connecting the lever I96 and piston rod 205 may be removed and the lever operated manually. This could be done without interrupting the operation ment 220 preferably in the form of a single disc or a multiple of discs, see Figure 2'1, clamped to-' gether to form a single paint-applying implement, which is supported, Figure 3, for movement inwardly towardthe chuck to act upon the ware and in a reverse direction a sufficient distance to clear the arc of travel of the ware transfer arm as it moves between the dealer station and the ware decorating station. Other forms of imple-: ment, for instance, those types employing a wick or brush, may, if desired, be used. v g

The four decorating stations of the illustrated machine may be equipped to produce single; 61% plural lines, bands or stripes uponthe surface of the ware. Since the terms line, band andstripe are substantially synonomous, I-may re fer to the implements as lining, banding, or "striping devices or even decorating devices-or implementsinwhich caseit will be understood- Valve 208 is provided with'an one: of: the: terms; ,wh'emsm used; may be ccnsiiieredascgeneric toallicftheinz.

. I11: will; be;.:understocd. thatsingleor' plurallines be: applied; to. the wane; at any one; of the stations. Figure-.2, Izhave shownifor. illustrative; purposes, how the; machine would be dquippedi to produce. a: singlelineupcn the surfacesofi thezwareatstations: I... 3: and 4 and plural:- lines at station 2.. At stations I-,. 2, 3, and ii, a banding: disc.- 22 i3; and associated paint supplying and... operating mechanism is; arranged atthe ri'ghtof thecenter'of. thewarezheld .by the; chuck. ateach of thesesstations. At. station 2,,a second? banding. disc. 220; and associated. paint. supplying. and. operating: mechanism. is: located; at the, left. ofi'thelcenter-ofa the =ware.heldby the-clutch at. this. These; operating mechanismsmay. be. of. the;traversing.cr-non-traversing: type; to be hereinafterdescrihedin detail.

Imsomeinstancesit is desirable in make a wide. line: L accomplishthis: moving the banding wheel; across the. surface: of the ware whilst the; linez-is beingzappliedi. 1 Theapparatns for imparting a; traversing motion. to. the. lining, wheel. has certain: difierences. in construction. as compared- Witlrthe-non-traversing type-of apparatus. Both formswill be; hereinafter: described. Either oneor'bothforms may be employed at any one or alliofthedecoratingistations.

The non-traversing; typeofi decorating apparatusis-constnucted; asfollowsz' the decorating implement. 2-29,, Figures. 3'- and 25,. is; retatably mountedupon; an axle 221lf-iournal'ed1in a. sleeve bearing, 222 secured tdthe topotaerod 223-. Said supported; me; clamp. 22-5; and is vertically and. rotatablyadjustable therein: in order to facilitate the setting of the banding wheel relative to: the; workings positions. (Clamp 2 2 5: is, rctatably mountedi on. a; holder 224. and: may be. tightened; in: various angular positions or adjustment by bolt? 22-6, Eigures 19* and; 20;. Holder 22 5: is: attached to; a c1amp;221.' which is clamped aroundshaft 23.0.- supported for rotation in stationary antiefirictionbearings 23 i: and. 232. Said: bearings-are supported by a Ufbracket 2 33 whose. ends. arefbrmedassplit clamps=forzreceivinggsaid bearings. Said bracket, is fastenedto; a cross beam ZaM Figure' dby'bolt; 2-3.4;said beam being bolted toz lugsgzfla projecting-from. the machine. frame.

T01 move; the banding wheel inwardly toward the ware. and in a reverse directinn; a: disc. 22% is: secured to. shaft 23.5.. A. sprocket chain 235., Figures 3 and 20 is trained over the periphery of disc: and fastened by means of a: clamp thereto, see Figiure 20.. The chain is attached. to: a coil. spring 231-, see Figures 3- and 23-, com nected: to a lever 24'0having ahea-ring; 2 3a rotatabl'y'mcunted upon a stationary shaft'2j4l, Figure 3; attachedby' bolts. 243 to; vertical plates 2 43 to.- the; ends of the machine frame; The other. end. of spring 2-31 is; attachedto; a lug: 231" secured tn? the bearing housing: 2M1, Figure. 3..

Lever. 24%;. Figures 3. and. 23,.has a. cam roller 244i engaged by an adjustable earn 245 mounted upon. a rotatable cam shaft 246. journaled inhearings. 2-H. and. 248 secured to plates 2 13- located at opposite ends of the machine frame- Shaft 241 and shaft. 246-, Figures 2. and 3., are common to all of the. decorating mechanisms andiallof levers. 2.511. and thecamsME for actuatthef severalbanding; wheels. or discs are mounted onthese shafts respectively.

- Cam. shaft 246 isrotated by a sprocket 249- fixedlthereon, chain 250: and sprocket 251 fixed cam shaft Lilc Figure: 3. As-cam 245 2. rotates; chain; 235: is, pnlledtbacke to. retract; the;

banding disc- 2215i mm the working against the; tension. ofispizing; HI -and as. the;

able to. move the: same.- by: hand and, inn. such event. the chain 23.5;may be; unhonked from. the. top-of lever. 2415; tofallow this. to; beidone. I-fiforr some reason: is. desired. to.-. render: anygiven banding, disc inoperative withoutaffecting; the,

operation. of. other discs. the.- chaimmay also.

be unhockedi.

It will beunderstood that banding; disc; wheel. 220 must be; retracted from the surface: 0t thewvarea distancesufiicient tGcIeartheath; of. the ware transferarmfifi; Thus, thGPESPQZI$ tus for supporting; andaactuating; the disc .isiconi structed; to provide: for: a long throw. in': moving the; banding. disc between operative and inope' erative positions. The banding; wheel holder'is; pulled: back. beyond the: point. where: the: arcuate line Y-Y Figure. 3' designating the arcuatepath of travel of the banding disc; 220. intersects the." arcuate line Z'-.-Z designating. thezouterlimit of. the;path-.traversed bythe: ware during transferf-rcm the dealer: tma. banding; station. is; to: avoid. interference; between; the: moving parts; This applies, tea-ll: of the decorating. and transfer: mechanisms atallofthe; stations;

The traversing type; of. lining: apparatus. is: also. mounted upon; cross; member 252;; It may be: substituted for any. of the. non-traversing type; lining mechanisms; ormay; be; operated irr. OOH-r. junction therewith. at any of the; stations, the. latter arrangement being: illustrated. atrstation: 2, FiguresZ and 5; CrossmemberZEZ;isprovided. with azseries. of holes:253. for receivingthe attaclr= ing. bolts: 23.4.

The traversing type apparatus, Figures. 21-. 22, is similarfin 'snme respectsto the nonet'rav ersing typeoii Ei'gures 19. and:.20'.. The. same form; holder'- 225 is employedeas. well; as; the: clamp. 22.7 and; shaft 239- to. which itis'attached; Also. fixed on this shaft is the actuating disc 229- to, which. the chain. 235 fastened means or clamp 236. Shaft 230. however: is journaled in anti-friction bearings 254 in aztiltable frame 255, Figure. 22, instead of. a. stationary frame; Said. frame is tiltable. about a horizontal axis formed. by anti-friction. bearings 25.6 and. 256' and the.- studs 25?.- and. 251' respectively upon which they-- are jonrnaled. Stud. 2.5.6 is; screwed; into. a sta.-.- tionary: plate; 258: having: tapped. holesz therein. by means ofwhich the. assembly is fastened. to. cross member 252 .by bolts 234. Stud 2551. is screwed into a tapped; hole: the vertical. leg: 251a of abracket 259* securedto stationary plate 258.

To produce; the. traversing; motion, as. for in-, stance, an arcuate. movement of the banding wheel when. contact with the, wars, a. lever. 25%. Figures 21 and 23., is providedwhich. is actu.- ated bya cam Hilton-shaft 2.46 anda spring; 261-. Said lever. is pivoted on pin 262-, Figure-21, supported by a stationary bearing 263 welded or otherwise secured to stationary plate. 258, the short arm 2.64: of the; lever being. located below;

ascaaae the tiltable frame255. Said short arm 264 has:

a horizontal slot 265 therein in whic'h a roller shaft 266- supporting a roller 2611s mounted.-

The roller may be adjusted lengthwise of. the slot in order to lengthen or shortenthe-effective length of the short arm of the lever. Thus, when the roller 266 is positioned directly above pivot fixed on disc 229 limits the approach of the decorating implementto the surface of the ware.

The'banding wheel ofeither the traversing or non-traversing type of apparatus is suppliedlwith color contained in a receptacle 269 in the follow-- ing manner; said receptacle is attached'to the rod =.223,-Fig-ures 25 and 26, by means of a lug 210 having a hole therein through which the rod extends and a set screw 2' for tightening the receptacle in adjusted position'thereon.

Said receptacle is formed with a deep and relatively narrow interior, the sides of the housing extending upwardly from the bottom to a greater distance at the rear than in front or on the end facing the decorating chuck i2t. Inside the-housing is a short bar 2'52, pivoted at 213 on the housing. This bar rotatably supports a friction roller 23% which is adapted to'be'rotated in the color or paint by the banding disc and to carry the paint up to the implement 22!! which rotates thereagainst. The periphery of roller 214 is wider than disc 220 and is held thereagainst by a spring 275 which is connectedto the free end to bar 212 and at the other end to a; screw 216 threaded into the side of the receptacle. The receptacle is filled to a given level by pouring paint or color in from the top or by removing the filling plug 2H from the side inlet 218 and charging the receptacle from below the level 'o'f' the disc 22!]. l

The height differential, as between the ends of the housing is to prevent the spilling of paint from the receptacle when it is retracted to fullest extent from the decorating chuck, see Figure 3. Since the disc and receptacle move back on an arc YY about the center of shaft 233, and the receptacle is thereby tilted, the extended rear side will prevent the spilling of the contents. When the banding disc moves forward to paint applying position, the inertia of the paint may cause spilling from the front side of the recept'acle and therefor, I have provided a splash guard 219 positioned inside the receptacle and just below the front lip." 28B is a wiper which removes excess paint or color from the banding disc. 28! are blades attached to roller 214 to stir thepaint as the roller revolves. V

" -Ware that has been recorated is released from .thevacuum chucks I26 simultaneously and is gravitated, four pieces at a time, onto the upper.

run "or belt conveyor 30 where the same .is

accumulated in single file and moved to a trans-' 268' is an adjustable stop screw which,by engagementrwith apart 2613aat each end of the frameand the upper run is:

supported by and travels over a flat plate 284 bar 286 is located in front of the belt opposite the discharge end of the chutes 26, 21, 28 and 29 to check the momentum of the ware. This bar is adjustable for height and has a pad of rubber 281 or other resilient material facing the delivery 'end of the chutes so as to prevent damage to the ware brims should they strike the stop member.

To drive conveyor so in timed relation with the automatic decorating apparatus, roller 282 is fixed upon a shaft 238 journaled in bearings 289, Figures 3 and 5, inside sleeve 29!! supported by the machine frame. A gear 29! fixed on the opposite end of said shaft is driven by a gear 292 fixed on the main cam shaft it of the deco rating machine.

It is desired to automatically deliver the output from the four decorating stations in predetermined order and in closed up relation to the dryer transfer location. This is accomplished by automatically infiltrating or intermingling ware from several groups as follows: the stations are arranged in two groups, stations l and 2, Figure 28 form one group and stations 3 and 4, the other group. The center to center spacing of the chutes in group one is the same as the center to center spacing of the chutes in group two. The space between the two groups of stations is, however, greater than the space between the two stations of any one group.

In the normal movement of conveyor 3!] (which moves continuously but which could be moved intermittently), each machine cycle is equal to the distance from the center of chute 28 at station 3 to a lin midway between chutes 25 and 2?. On the first machine cycle, four pieces of ware, a, b, c and d, Figure 28 are up pieces g and h to the position straddling chute 21 previously occupied by pieces 0 and d. Upon the third machine cycle, pieces 2' and y from stations I and 2 are infiltrated with pieces 9 and h from the preceding group and when conveyor tii moves to the left, the composite group composed of pieces a, b, e, c, i and d, are spotted in front of the dryer conveyor, Figure 31 and are ready to be pushed sideways, as a group, off conveyor 36, over gravity rollers 295 onto conveyor 3| to be carried'thereby through dryer 32.

As this composite group of ware is moved to the transfer position, pieces 7:: and Z are moved to' the position straddling chute 21 previously vacated by pieces 9 and h. 'Upon the fourth machine cycle, pieces m and n are infiltrated with'pieces k and I from the third machine cycle 76 wa a o s .hs r i9QIWW9iZ-L3 snare; ilt;

and this rounds out the first complete composite group of ware which is composed of piecesi and Figure 32, produced by the third machine cycle; g and h. during the second machine cycle; m and t during the fourth machine cycle and 7c and Z during the third machine cycle. During the fifth machine cycle, this composite-group of ware movesto a position infront of and half- Menace;

sixth; machine cycle is; spotted. in; front of. the: dryer; conveyor, Figure 33-, and is pushed off thereonto, by transfer apparatus 3 3..

It will be noted that the ware; passes through the dryer in orderlylines extending longitudinally thereof, the line sequence from left right, Figure 82, being as follows: with reference to the stations where the ware originated, l, 3-, 2, l", I; 3, 2 and l. There is no fmixing up of" the ware-either in the individual lines or as between the lines. This facilitates selection and routing of the ware at the delivery end of the dryer and also, once the lines are established, permits immediate identification of the, station where theware originated by the line in which it. is dried. In t .e case of defective decoration, this eliminated guess-work in locating the particular decorating apparatueresponsible for the trouble, particularly when the production on all lines is same.

The transfer apparatus 35 comprises an air cylinder 299, Figure 1, supported upon a suitable; frame 306. Attached to the piston rod 38! of the aircylinder is a horizontal blade 362 parallel with and above the upper run of belt 3! in. position to engage and push the ware into the dryer. The engaging surface of the pusher is formed of resilient material such as rubber so as not to damage the ware brims.

To, operate this air cylinder in timed relation with the movement of conveyor, 33-, a timer is provided which, has atiming disc 333, Figure 5,.

fixed on a shaft 32! driven by: a gear 322- fixed on cam shaft 18. Since the production set up is arranged for eight. lines of ware through the dryer,, the gear ratio in this instance is eight to one, it may be varied in accordance with the number of lines of production operating through the dryer. Said disc 303 hasa pin 364' for moving a valve actuating rod 306 in one direction and a pin 3.81 for moving the rod in the opposite direction, the structure being substantially the same as: that described in connection with the timing disc shownin figure l8; Actuating rod 356. is connected to a four-way valve 308 having an inlet connected by pipe- 3% to air pressure tank 212. Pipe 3.19: is" connected, to an outlet of the valve and to the front end of cylinder 299 and'pipeel l is connected to another outlet of the valve and to the rear end of cylinder299. As is customary in this type of valve, when the pres sure is applied through one of the lines, for instance pipe 31 l,, the other line 3H3 is connected to an exhaust pipe, here shown as 3l2. Thus, every eight revolutions of cam shaft 78, the air cylinder 299 is caused to operate.

The dryer conveyor 3| is driven, continuously by the decorating machine in timed relation with the movement ofconveyor 30' and the inter-. mittent reciprocation of blade 382. comprises a sprocket 315. mounted on shaft 3? which drives chain 3 I F connected'to sprocket 3 l 8, Figure 4, on shaft 319 on which the dryer conveyor driving drum 328 is fixed; Thus the dryer conveyor 3!, which is supported at the exit end of the dryer upon rotatable drum 321, is driven continuously at a lowspeed and at a speed which will permit successive rows of ware to be placed thereon with a minimum of clearance between rows. It will be understood that dryer conveyor 31 may be driven intermittently if desired.

I claim:

1. In apparatus for use in making decorated dinnerware, a power driven dinnerware decorat ing machine having plural decorating stations,

The, drive:

a; chuck and were decorating: means. at station, automaticware dealing and transferring: apparatus associated with; eachstationfjor sunplying the: ware to the. chuck at. that, station, automatic apparatusfor arranging the; decorated: ware discharged from the, machine: in orderly-- rows, a conveyor between each station and. said. automatic apparatus for carrying. said dischargedware to said apparatus, conveying means forte-- ceiving' the warefrom the. last named apparatus: and; carrying; the. same away and means; whose; operation is controlled by the machine forop. eratingsaid automatic, apparatus and said con.- veying means.

2.. In, apparatus. for use; in making; decorated dinnerware a power driven dinnerware decorating machine: having; plural decorating stations. 81. chuckand ware decorating means at. each startion, automatic. ware dealer and ware, transferapparatus associated with. each. station for sup-. plying wareto the chuck at that, station from.

operator replenished, dealer supported. stacks; of ware, automaticapparatus for-collecting the out;- put of the machine and arranging the: same inorderly rows, a conveyor between each. station and said automatic apparatus for carry ng: said? output to said; apparatus, and means whose-5 op:- eration is controlled by the decorating machine for operating said automatic apparatus.

3. In apparatus for use in: making decorated dinnerware. a power driven. dinnerware. decorat;- ing machine having plural decorating stations,

a chuck and intermittently movable decorating" means at each station, automatic ware: dealer;

and ware transfer apparatus associated with;

each station for supplying ware to the chuck: at. that station from operator replenished; stacks of. dealer supported ware, automatic apparatus for; collecting the output of the machine, operable to form the ware into orderly. rows, a. conveyorbetween each station and said automatic apparatus: forcarrying said output to said apparatus, cone veying means for carrying the rows through. a. drying zone and means, whose operation is: controlled by the machine for operating: said auto matic apparatus and said conveying means.

4. In apparatus for use in making decoratedi dinnerware, a power operated dinnerware decorating machine having plural decorating stations, a. chuck and means for decorating ware at. each station, automatic ware dealer and ware transferapparatus associated with each station for supplying ware to the chuck at that station from. operator replenished, dealer supported stacks of; ware located above and in front of said stations and for turning the ware around incident to do livery thereof, conveying means common to all of the stations for receiving the output:there-- from, a conveyor between each station and sa-ich automatic apparatus for: carrying said outputto said apparatus, means for periodically removing. groups of ware from the conveying means, asec 0nd conveying means for-receiving the groups of ware and carrying them away and mechanism.- opera-ted by the machine for controlling the operation of said common conveying means; and. saidv second conveying means.

5. In apparatus for use in making; decorateddinnerware, a power'operated dinnerware deco. rating machine having plural. decorating stat-- tions, a rotatable ware receiving chuck: at eachstation, automatic ware centering apparatus and automatic apparatus for applying lines, stripesv or hands to the ware at each station, automatic: were dealing. and; transferring; apparatus assfo assasee {ciated with each station for supplying ware to ,the chuck at that station, automatic ap aratus for assembling the output of the machine in groups and conveying the groups through a drying zone, means whose operation is controlled by dinnerware, a ware dealer, a ware transfer for carrying ware from the dealer to a decorating station, a decorating means at the decorating station, means for moving said ware transfer between the'dealer and decorating station and means for turning the transfer so as to turn the ware around in transit between the points ispecified. a 7. In apparatus for use idinner-ware, a ware receiving chuck, a ware dealer adjacent thereto, a ware transfer for carin making decorated rying ware from the dealer to the chuck, ware decorating means adjacent said chuck, means associated with said transfer for' gripping ware received from the dealer, means associated with said chuck for gripping ware delivered to it by the transfer, means for operating said transfer ware gripping means to release therefrom the -ware delivered .to thechuck, and means for intermittently, alternately operating said dealer and transfer and said transfer and said decorat- "ing means.

8. In apparatus for use in making decorated dinnerware, a power driven decorating machine having plural decorating stations, a ware dealer andware transfer associated with each station, decorating means at each station including a decorating implement and means for moving the same into and out of working position and over the surface of ware at the working position, and means operated by said machine for actuating said ware dealer, transfer and decorating means intimed relation.

9. In apparatus for use in making decorated dinnerware, a power driven decorating machine having plural decorating stations, a ware dealer and ware transfer associated with each station,

decorating means at each station including separately supported decorating implements and means for moving them relative to theware at a decorating station, and means operated by said "machine for actuating said ware dealer, transwith ware acted upon during another cycle of the units.

l1. Dinnerware decorating 'machinery comprising a decorating station, ware decorating ;-means at said station, a dealer disposed near said station for releasing ware piece-by-piece from a stack thereof,-and a ware transfer arm movable between said-dealer and decorating station for carrying'each-released piece of ware to said station.

'12. Dinnerware decorating machinery, comprising a plurality of spaced decorating units each including as elements thereof a ware decorator, a dealer for separating pieces of undecorated ware from a stack thereof, and mechanism for transferring such pieces to th decorator, coordinated drives for simultaneously actuating all of said like elements of the units in ware decorating cycles, a conveyor for simultaneously reeach including as elements thereof a ware deco-- rator, a dealer for releasing ware piece-by-piece from a stack thereof, and a ware transfer arm movable between said dealer and decorator for carrying each released piece of ware to the decorators, coordinated drives for simultaneously actuating all of said like elements of the units in ware decorating cycles, a conveyor for simultaneously receiving in spaced relationship a plurality of pieces of ware from said decorators at the end of a decoratin cycle, and means for advancing said conveyor to receive in spaces between the ware thereon pieces of war decorated in a succeeding cycle.

14. Dinnerware decorating machinery, comprising a plurality of spaced decorating units each including aselements thereof a ware decorator, a dealer for separating pieces of undecorated ware from a stack thereof, andmechanism for transferring such pieces to the decorator, coordinated drives for simultaneously actuating all of said like elements of the units in ware decorating cycles, a conveyor for simultaneously receiving in spaced relationship a plurality of pieces of ware from saiddecorators at the end of a decorating cycle, means for advancing said conveyor to receive in spaces between theware thereon pieces of ware decorated in a succeeding "cycle, a second conveyor for carrying the ware through a drying zone, and transferring means for transferring the ware from the first to the second conveyor, whereby the ware can be so arranged on the first conveyor that the output of the decorating units is carried in closelyadjacent lines on the second conveyor, each line containing ware from a particular unit.

15.1Dinnerwa're decorating machinery, comprising a plurality of spaced decorating units each including as'elements thereof a Ware deco.-

. rator, a dealerfor separating pieces of undecorated ware from a stack thereof, and mechanism -for transferring such pieces to the decorator, coprdinateddriVes for simultaneously actuating all of said like elements of the units in Ware decorating cycles, a conveyorfor simultaneously re ceiving in spaced relationship a plurality of pieces 'of ware from said decorators at the end of a decorating cycle, and means for advancing said conveyor to receive in spaces between the ware thereon pieces of ware decorated in'a succeeding cycle, said conveyor advancing means being coordinated with said drives for said decorating unit elements.

16. Dinnerware decorating machinery, comprising a plurality of spaced decorating units each including as elementsthereof a ware decorator, a dealer forseparating pieces of undeco- -rated ware from a stack thereof, and mechanism for transferring such pieces to the decorator, co-

ordinated drives for simultaneously actuating all of said like elements of the units in ware deco- 

